Windy Standard 1 May 2024

 Present: Hugh, Paul, Bob, Jimmy, Gus, Malcolm, Dougie, Killie Davie (KD and Derval Davie (DD)

The above nine met at the cemetery gates in New Cumnock before heading up to the waterworks at the head of Glenafton for our walk up Windy Standard. It was a lovely spring morning, although we were to experience a cold wind once we were up on the tops; the reservoir beneath Steyamrie looked fabulous and the dam below presented Jimmy with a nice photo as it rushed down the side.

Once out on the open moor we noticed that there has been a further proliferation of wind turbines and access roads since we'd last been here. After our coffee break at the usual spot, your scribe (DD) suggested that we ascend a different way, rather than the normal firebreak, as it looked easier. He received pelters when we discovered how hard this turned out to be and only four succeeded to climb to the top, the rest retrieving their steps and using the firebreak.

Only Paul and DD got to the trig point at the very top of Windy Standard, the taiglers opting to skirt round the bottom, so only 2 actually managed the full walk. Just thought I'd mention that!

The wind was too strong to have our lunch at the turbine at the top so we were forced as we had to the last time we were here, to  drop down in to the gully beside the trees. Isla went round everybody begging for a morsel, with KD proving to be the softest mark.

After lunch, we made our way back to the cars keeping to the service roads; the views of the hills like Blackcraig and Blacklorg being absolutely superb. How soon before these hills too are covered with these bloody wind turbines? 

Jimmy and Paul opted to descend via Castle William, while the rest of us simply retraced our steps back down to the loch. DD stopped to throw sticks in the loch for Isla. After her swim she buggered off, leaving Davie on his own for the last half mile, and being the last to arrive back at the cars 4 hours and 20  minutes after we had set off. 

This was a hard walk which showed that none of us is getting any younger and I'm sure there were a lot of aching joints on Thursday morning, your scribe included.

FRT was an enjoyable hour or so in the sitooterie at the Black Bull in Mauchline, where once again we were treated to sausage rolls and pizza slices. DD has promised an easier walk next week. Does he tell lies?